Jesus’ comforting words are spoken either in the Upper Room or while on the way to the garden of Gesthsemane. These will be Jesus’ last words to His disciples prior to His crucifixion. Despite appearances, there will be joy—that settled, peaceful, and hopeful mindset that cannot be perverted by external circumstances. In a “little while” is mikron in the Greek, and this word is used repeatedly by Jesus in the passage. Jesus would leave, then appear, then leave, and then come again. (There are a number of ways of explaining Jesus’ intent here.) When Jesus leaves and His disciples see Him no more, yes, the disciples will grieve, and the world, those who reject His Lordship, will rejoice. But His followers will have joy that they will never lose. Again He invites His followers to pray to the Father in His name, or because of His finished work, His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.